Hockey Obsessions

Rain hammered against the windshield, blurring the city lights into streaks of color. Mila Torres gripped the wheel, her knuckles white around the steering wheel, heart pounding. Today was her first day as the Frost City Titans sports therapist. The team, the facility, the players—it was all real now. No classroom, no practice charts, no easy scenarios. Mistakes here could hurt someone.Her past mistake flashed in her mind, a mistake she had barely survived herself. She remembered the patient she couldn’t save—the guilt, the sleepless nights, the shame that clung to her even now. But she pushed it aside. She had trained for this. She was ready. She had to be.Through the fog and rain, the Titans facility rose ahead… a gleaming tower of glass and steel, massive banners celebrating decades of championships swaying slightly in the wind. The sheer size made her pause in the car, mouth dry, stomach tight. Even before she parked, she could hear the faint rhythm of pucks hitting ice somewher

The sun had barely risen, when Mila Torres drove to the Titans facility for her third day. Her mind replayed yesterday’s events in sharp, vivid loops… Carson’s critiques, Ryder’s quiet protection, Luka’s unblinking gaze, and the words on the folded note that had now become her morning mantra; “Trust your instincts.”Rain had returned overnight. Mila adjusted the rearview mirror, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and exhaled slowly. Today was going to be different. She could feel it.The second she stepped inside, the receptionist offered a polite nod, but her eyes flicked to the door behind Mila as if expecting trouble before it arrived. Mila smiled faintly, letting it pass over her. She had learned not to read too much into glances—yet.The team manager was waiting near the elevator, clipboard in hand, expression unreadable. “Dr. Carson has requested that you begin with pre-practice assessments. He is also…expecting a demonstration of your new recovery techniques.” Mila

Mila Torres arrived early, as usual, her mind still replaying the events of last night—the eerie calm of the empty rink, Luka’s penetrating gaze, and the strange, magnetic tension that lingered long after he had left. She parked with care, and took a deep breath. Inside, players milled about, some laughing, others focused on routines. Mila’s heels clicked lightly against the tile as she made her way toward the team meeting room, her clipboard tucked under one arm. She had reviewed strategies, recovery plans, and a few notes on communication with the athletes. Today was a team meeting, a chance to see the dynamics at play beyond the medical bay. The team manager greeted her with a brief nod. “Everyone’s here in ten,” she said, eyes flicking toward the room where the Titans gathered. “This is more than a simple meeting. They want input on recovery, on morale, and…other matters.” Mila nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She knew the Titans world wasn’t just about skill or

The Frost City sky was a pale blue that morning, bright and cold. Mila Torres parked in the facility lot and took a moment to breathe. Yesterday had gone well—she’d handled Carson, stayed composed, and earned respect from Ryder, Luka, Kai, and Jace. But she knew wins didn’t last long here. Every day brought a new test.She stepped out of her car, letting the air wake her up. Clipboard under her arm, she walked toward the entrance, heels tapping against the damp pavement. Inside, the usual noise filled the building—players talking, coaches shouting, drills in motion. Kai reached her first, calm as always but clearly more serious than usual.“Morning, Torres,” he said. “Heads up—we have got a new stress test today. Some guys are feeling the pressure from the last scrimmages. And one of the younger athletes is struggling more than he should. You’ll need to stay on it.”Mila’s stomach tightened with anticipation. “I’m ready,” she said. “I’ll monitor carefully and intervene where needed.”

The arena was quieter now, the chaos of earlier drills reduced to faint echoes of bouncing balls, skates, and murmured instructions. Mila stood at the rink’s edge, clipboard in hand, reviewing notes from the day’s session. The media attention had sharpened the players focus, but the subtle tension hadn’t entirely dissipated.Kai approached quietly, his steps careful not to draw attention. “Mila,” he said, voice low, “can we step aside for a minute?”She glanced toward the open corner near the arena’s practice office, nodding subtly. “Of course,” she answered. They moved to a quieter space, just off the main floor, where the sound of bouncing balls and distant chatter became muffled. Kai leaned against the edge of the railing, arms crossed loosely, his intense gaze fixed on her. “You handled the media attention exceptionally today,” he said. “I need you to understand how rare that is.”Mila gave a small smile but stayed straight. “Thanks, Kai. It was intense, but I managed. The team